Bar Looks to Expand Liquor License Despite Quadruple Shooting

Should a local bar where a quadruple shooting took place last month be allowed to expand its liquor license?

The Red Sea Bar and Restaurant at 320 Cedar Avenue South in Minneapolis wants to do just that.

Police have been called to the club 25 times in the last year -- which is more than comparable bars in the area. Up the street, the 400 club has had 11 calls for service in the last year, according the Minneapolis Police.

The owners of the Red Sea want to allow more music and dancing at the club, which requires an upgrade in liquor license.

The process stalled the past several weeks because four people were shot outside the bar at the end of October.

No arrests have been made in the case, which has neighbors like Mo Muhammad concerned. "Safety is very important around here," Muhammad said.

The city wants to place nearly 20 stipulations on the license, including requiring the club to hire off duty police officers for security when it anticipates a big crowd.

Rod Johnson owns Midwest Mountaineering outdoor store across the street. Johnson says, "I know on a Friday or Saturday night, sometimes there will be a number of people congregating outside."

Regarding the proposed license expansion, Johnson commented, "I know the owner is conscientious, and I know that they've had several incidences of shootings, and as long as they have extra security, I'm not opposed."

Second Ward Council Member Cam Gordon says the owner of the club has the support of most surrounding businesses.

Gordon says he’s confident the owner of the bar and the city will work something out soon, "We can actually do a lot with conditions, as long as the owner agrees to them."

As it stands now the city isn't accepting public comment on this issue - but Council Member Gordon says if you have concerns, you should contact him directly.

The city hopes to make an official decision, sometime before the end of the year.

The co-owner of the club told us by phone that he hopes something can be worked out earlier, and that “they agree in principal” to the conditions, proposed by the city. He says the goal is to create a “safe environment for everyone.”